1796 50C 16 Stars, O-102, High R.5 VF30 PCGS. This 1796 16
Stars half dollar lacks the usually-seen crack from the milling
between the date and star 1 that travels through the first four
stars to the rim at 8 o'clock. This indicates it was struck from a
very early state of the obverse die. The reverse displays a faint
crack from the edge through O in OF to the leaf point below F, a
precursor to the myriad cracks that eventually develop when this
reverse is paired with the 1797 obverse.
Both sides display bright silver-gray surfaces with occasional
blushes of slightly deeper gray and faint sky-blue. Traces of
luster reside in some of the recessed areas, and the design
elements reveal sharp definition, including the middle and lower
portions of Liberty's hair, the facial features, and the drapery.
About three quarters of the feathers show on the eagle's wings and
tail, and the claws and adjacent cloud detail are quite clear.
Strong dentilation shows on both obverse and reverse, each of which
exhibits well centered design features, and each of which is devoid
of adjustment marks. A few inoffensive contact marks consistent
with light to moderate circulation are visible; one between
Liberty's forehead and star 10 and one to the left of the U in UN
ITED might aid future catalogers and researchers in identifying the
coin. Encapsulated in a green-label holder.Ex: Teletrade Auction, early 1990s (per consignor)
From the Bayside New York Collection.(Registry
values: N7079) (NGC ID# 24EA, PCGS# 6058)

The Draped Bust Half Dollars of 1796-1797 by Jon Amato is the culmination of more than 10 years of research into the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar series, one of the most coveted type coins in American numismatics and one about which remarkably little has been written.

This work will be the premier reference for 1796-1797 half dollars for years to come. Institutions having an extensive numismatic library or coin cabinet will find it a valuable complement to their holdings, and catalogers charged with writing up specimens for auction can now have an indispensable source of background and pedigree information. Likewise, coin dealers seeking to purchase one or more '96 or '97 half dollars for a client or for inventory, and collectors who own, have owned, or desire to own one will want this important reference work for their libraries.